Expecting? Watch what you put on your skin!

If you’re pregnant, you cannot just slather anything onto your skin. It is our bodies’ biggest organ and it can absorb topical ingredients into your bloodstream. Some of your tried-and-tested creams, soaps and cosmetics could contain ingredients that can harm a developing fetus.

Unfortunately, not all of us get that so-called “pregnancy glow” without help from our beauty arsenal. You might end up wanting to use potent skin products even more as raging pregnancy hormones can wreak havoc on your skin.

For many, pregnancy brings on a slew of problems – from pimples to dry, itchy and sensitive skin… to all of the above! You may even have to say goodbye to your lovely even-toned complexion due to melasma. You’ve probably seen this as dark patches on the face, neck and armpits of pregnant women.

Before hitting the cosmetic counter or drugstores for skin antidotes, get some expert advice first. Your OB-gyn should be aware of all products you use on your skin. If you go to a dermatologist, a good one should know which skin products to avoid.

Expert Advice on What to Avoid

Maybe skin peels, Intense-Pulsed-Light and radio frequency laser treatments are already part of your skin care routine? Dermatologists advise to put these on hold until after pregnancy.

It’s important to read labels on any product you plan to use on your skin or hair. As explained to us by Dr. Christine Lopez at the Dermatology Department of The Cleveland Clinic, these ingredients are a no-no when pregnant:

Hydroquinone – This is a common bleaching agent found in creams and soaps. Often found in products meant to lighten age-spots and blemishes.

Papaya – Surprisingly, even certain fruit-derived products can pose harm. Some soap, lotion, cream and toothpaste products contain “papain”. Papain is linked to stomach and intestine problems – along with, slower heart rates and slower activity in central nervous systems.

Retinoids – Different kinds of retinoids are used for different kinds of skin problems, from acne to age spots and wrinkles. They are found in many cosmetic products such as creams, powders and foundations. Retinoid ingredients to avoid are: tretinoin (found in Retin-A and Renova), isotretinoin (Isotrex), adapalene (Differin), tazarotene (Tazorac).

Benzoyl Peroxide – This is a main ingredient in many anti-acne products, from facial washes to creams. Certain hair dyes also contain benzoyl peroxide, so best to skip hair-coloring until after giving birth.

Salicylic Acid – This is another popular anti-acne ingredient. In low-dose formulations, salicylic products can be safe for use during pregnancy. Conservative doctors suggest to skip all together until post-pregnancy.

Search for Safe Alternatives

Soon as that pregnancy test turns positive, check with your doctor first before re-using your beauty stand-bys. If by chance, you used any of the cosmetic ingredients listed above, no need to panic. In small concentrations and with limited exposure, it is likely your baby is still safe. Just stop using right away and look for safer alternatives.

Yes, beauty need not suffer for baby. Effective, baby-safe beauty products for pregnant moms in an upcoming post!

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